Drug testing for rohypnol

Rohypnol is the brand name for a drug called flunitrazepam, a powerful sedative that depresses the central nervous system. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “It is a small white tablet without odor or taste when dissolved in a drink.” Considered a club drug, rohypnol use became popular in the 1990s. It is associated with sexual assault because the drug (also referred to as “roofies”) is used to sedate an unsuspecting person who will not remember events under the influence of rohypnol.

Users may experience confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation and a loss of muscle control. Its “paralyzing” effects can start within 30 minutes and persist for up to 12 hours. NIDA reports that rohypnol is legal in 60 countries for the treatment of insomnia but not available for prescription in the United States. As a benzodiazepine, under federal law rohypnol is classified as a Schedule IV drug.